A novel dental re-mineralizing blend of hydroxyethyl-cellulose and cellulose nanofibers oral film loaded with nepheline apatite glass: Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of re-mineralizing effect

Abstract The present investigation aimed to prepare and evaluate an innovated re-mineralizing oral films made from a blend of hydroxyethyl-cellulose (HEC) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), loaded with nepheline fluorapatite glass powder. Evaluation of film thickness, folding endurance, disintegration time, surface pH, ions release, together with SEM were carried out. In vitro re-mineralizing effect of the prepared film on demineralized teeth was examined. Results revealed the uniformity in thickness of films, folding endurance more than 300, and the disintegration times more than 24 hrs. The pH values were nearly neutral and high concentrations of calcium and fluoride ions were released. SEM showed a uniformity of glass powder particles distribution. Results of enamel micro-hardness (VHN) and ultra-morphology revealed that there was a significant increase in mean VHN after the remineralization for 15 and 30 days compared to the demineralized specimens. The innovative prepared films are effective approach for remineralization of early demineralized tooth lesions.